Frigid temperatures make home repair for frozen pipes a useful skill for any homeowner. While no homeowner wants to deal with frozen pipes, knowing how to fix the problem reduces the stress should the situation arise.

Problems with Frozen Pipes

Water pipes sometimes freeze during spells of extremely cold temperatures. Pipes are more likely to freeze in uninhabited homes that aren’t heated, have a low thermostat temperature and have no water flowing through the pipes. Pipes that run through exterior walls are also more susceptible to freezing, particularly when the outdoor temperatures are very low. Pipes that run through unheated areas such as the attic or basement crawl spaces are also more likely to freeze.

Frozen water pipes are more than an inconvenience. There is a good chance the pipes will crack or burst because the water expands as it freezes. If damage does occur to the pipes, you’ll end up with quite an expensive mess when the ice thaws. The water can cause severe damage to the walls, floors and other parts of the home in addition to the pipes needing replacement.

Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Preventing frozen pipes in the first place is the best course of action for a homeowner. There are several steps you can take to prevent frozen pipes during the cold winter months.

Keep a small trickle of water running through the faucets. Flowing water is much less likely to freeze than water that is standing still.

Add insulation to the exposed water pipes, particularly in unheated areas of the attic and crawl spaces. You can purchase pipe insulation at the home improvement store that you cut to length and place on the pipes.

Look for air leaks in the home, particularly near water pipes. Seal these leaks to keep the pipes warm.

Tips on Home Repair for Frozen Pipes

If it’s too late for prevention and your pipes are already frozen, proceed with caution. You’ll want to keep an eye out for cracks and other damage to the pipes. These steps can help you thaw the pipes yourself.